Plain Living


Rachel Bauer - 2013
    Witty, devout, and supremely competent, Sadie is keeping a secret. Sadie occupies the little spare time she can find with her secret passion -- writing and illustrating her simple and insightful stories about her life in pastoral Lancaster County. While Sadie’s writing is mostly thoughtful and even devotional, Sadie’s wit shows in some of her tales from her father’s store -- sharp delineations of “Englisher” customers whose ignorance of those who choose to live plain lives reveals Sadie’s keen talent for description, dialogue, and character development.When twenty-one-year-old Abram Byler discovers Sadie’s secret stash of writing, he conceals it, reads it, and is initially horrified and chastises Sadie. As he continues to read, though, he discovers that beneath the clever wit, there is a sweet, nurturing soul revealed in the tender depictions of Sadie’s youngest sisters learning to churn butter. As Abram and Sadie become closer, Abram realizes that sometimes humility means using the talents God bestows.

Joanna's Struggle


J.E.B. Spredemann - 2012
    She attends a one-room schoolhouse with her siblings in Paradise, Pennsylvania. She loves riding her horse, chorin' with her family, and spending time with her best friend, Chloe. But when something unexpected happens at a nearby mud sale, Joanna finds her perfect world turned upside down. Could one event change Joanna's life forever? Approx. 110 pages Teen FictionJoanna's Struggle, in the Amish Girls Series, is the first of several books penned by the author. The Amish Girls Series was primarily written for teen girls, but has been enjoyed by fans of all ages. Lovers of the ever-popular Amish fiction genre are sure to enjoy these books as well, even though they are geared toward a younger audience. The characters in the stories will soon become endeared to your heart, especially the mischievous Jonathan Fisher. Join Joanna and her friends as they grow up in Paradise and begin a journey you won't want to end. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Amish Christmas Letters


Patricia Davids - 2018
    In this delightful trio of stories, three cousins scattered across the country share their blessings—and reveal news of romantic surprises . . .   To win a friendly annual competition, matchmaker Marybeth Martin must bring one more couple together by Christmas. Her only prospect is a man more interested in a nanny than a wife—until his little girl shows him the light. . . . Struggling farmer’s daughter Katie Mae Kauffman discovers that she and a local widower and father of four can harvest more crops—and profits—together than separately. But she’ll have to put pride aside to make room for unexpected love. . . . Corralling an unruly brood of seven is not babysitter Carolyn Yutzy’s first choice for celebrating the season—but the sparks between her and their unsentimental yet irresistible uncle may be a gift neither was counting on . . .   Now, one by one, each resourceful young woman will have a holiday to remember—and to write home about . . .

The Amish Christmas Candle


Kelly Long - 2017
    In this love-filled holiday collection, warm yourself with the peaceful light of Plain gifts. SNOW SHINE ON ICE MOUNTAIN Kelly Long When staid Naomi Gish's mischievous father hires strapping Gray Fisher at their candle shop for the season, she's positive the old man has an ulterior motive. She doesn't need help--but as Gray learns the craft of candle making, Naomi learns that love is not only possible, but God's most precious gift.A HONEYBEE CHRISTMAS Jennifer Beckstrand Of all the sacrifices Bitsy Kiem made to raise her three nieces Amish, giving up her Englisch life was the only thing she missed. With the girls married now, she has a chance to kick up her heels this Christmas--unless widowed Yost Weaver can convince her that Plain love is a flame that will never go out.THE CHRISTMAS CANDLE Lisa Jones Baker Blessing those in need at Christmastime is one of Lydia's favorite traditions. But without her newly married sister's help this year, the task seems daunting--until handsome Mennonite John King shows her that hands joined to do good may unite hearts, as well."These three very different stories offer the same comforting holiday message: love can and does conquer all." --RT Book Reviews, 4 Stars

The Blue Washing Bag


Mary Clancy - 2020
    Constantly reminded of their mother’s unforgivable fall from grace, they suffer the consequences of her shameful act. Separated without warning at the age of eight, the bond they shared is broken.1960Molly Payton arrives in town. Shiny red suitcase in her hand – looking forward to a clean slate – hopeful of a bright future. She is forced to leave again less than a year later, traumatized … having left her baby behind.1985Years later, Daisy discovers the distressing truth of her past. Abandoned at birth, left at the side of the street in a washing bag. She has encountered many hardships on her journey which only serve to strengthen her resolve, to prepare her as she sets out to find those who are responsible … and make them pay.